Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is a common disorder (about 10% of school children experience it) that often continues throughout adulthood. There are two major types of this disorder: the hyperactive and impulsive type that is easily observed in classrooms or in other situations in which the child or teen cannot sit still, contantly interrupts or distracts those around him or her and struggles to maintain attention in a classroom or other situations in which remaining quiet and focused are required.

The other type of AD/HD is the Inattentive type, This type is often overlooked and ignored but is easily obeserved as a child or teen who seems to be daydreaming. In fact, the mind of this individual moves from subect to subject so fast that they struggle to understand what is being said by a teacher or a parent, who finds themself repeating requests or directions, again and again. This child or teen is often described as "lazy" or "not listening" or "stupid" because a parent or other authority figure has to repeat themselves over and over for the child to "get it." And then, the child may not do what was asked because some other thought grabbed their attention, You know this happens (if your child struggles with Inattentive AD/HD) because it is very frustrating,

AD/HD is NOT a mental illness but a developmental/wiring disorder of the brain. For some percentage of the population, brain development is delayed and the brain neurology does not mature until the child/teen reaches the late teens. Then, the most troubling symptoms (distraction, hyperactivity, failure to follow through, losing things, etc,) dimimish. Unfortunately, for 50% of those with AD/HD, the wiring issue never resolves itself and the individual has to learn to compensate for the negative aspects of AD/HD or use medications which can significnantly reduce the problems.

However, there are also positive aspects of AD/HD. I have worked with national sales managers, CEO's and teens and other adults who have learned to use their ability to move from subject to subject, issue to issue, in ways that are extremely productive though they challenge the people around them. These are the problem solvers, the inventors, the people who never give up and the professionals who get a lot done in a short period of time. Doctors, lawyers, business peope, all types of professionals have AD/HD.

In my experience, contrary to research, I have found that those with AD/HD are smarter than the average person and have learned to use their AD/HD skills to their advantage. Imagine being able to stay up in school with only 10% of your attention! Then, apply that capability to functioning in the business world, AD/HD can be a huge advantage if the patient learns coping skills that maximize the positive and minimize the negative aspects of this disorder.

If you are interested for yourself or someone you know or want to learn coping skills for AD/HD, contact me at 760-766-1622.

Anger and Depression

Anger and depression in children, teens and adults, usually men, is often a "cover", a way in which a person, unconsciously hides what lies underneath, emotionally, The expressiions of anger and depression are ways that individuals have learned to protect themselves from thoughts and feelings that they do not want to face. These thoughts and feelings usuially revolve around guilt or shame or hurt, often from a traumatic experience and for which the individual begins to blame themself. For that reason alone, they do not want to think about the trauma and avoid it at all costs. Sometimes, current events can trigger memories of these painful thought sand feeling and are quickly covered by anger or depression which, if not addressed, often leads to drug or alcohol use or other addictions (gambling, sex) or anxiety.

Therapy can help by creating a safe place for the individual to gently revisit the trauma and re-experience it in a different way beginning to see the trauma as it truly was: where the individual was the victim, not the perpetrator and where the victim actually has no guilt and shame. Relief and healing can be the result.

If you or someone you know struggles with anger or depression, call me to see if I can help at 760-766-1622.